TCS sees exodus of female staff as work-from-home ends

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a prominent IT firm in India, is currently facing an unexpected challenge. After three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, TCS has decided to discontinue remote work, which has resulted in a significant number of resignations from its female employees.

TCS has been widely recognized for its commitment to gender diversity in the workforce, offering numerous employment opportunities to women. The company believes that the decision to end remote work is a major contributing factor to the increased resignations among female employees. Milind Lakkad, the head of human resources at TCS, has stated that while there might be other factors at play, the discontinuation of remote work is the primary cause. He has also emphasized that the resignations are not motivated by discrimination, as historically, women at TCS have had a lower resignation rate compared to men. However, this trend has been surpassed by the recent wave of resignations among female employees.

TCS employs over 600,000 people, with women accounting for 35% of the workforce. In the fiscal year 2023, the company retained 38.1% of its female employees, and women occupied approximately three-fourths of the top positions. It is important to note that TCS experienced a workforce reduction of more than 20% in the previous fiscal year.

Amidst the current global recession, every employee is facing challenges. The concept of remote work has garnered positive feedback from employees, and businesses that now eliminate this option are witnessing a rise in resignations. Working from home has become widely accepted not only in India but also worldwide. A survey conducted in the United States revealed that 25% of workers have chosen never to return to the office.

The decision to discontinue remote work at TCS has impacted its female employees disproportionately, leading to a significant number of resignations. Remote work provides flexibility and convenience, enabling employees to balance personal and professional commitments more effectively. Women, in particular, often face additional responsibilities at home, such as childcare and household chores, making remote work a valuable option for them.

The abrupt termination of remote work has likely disrupted the work-life balance of TCS's female employees, forcing them to reassess their employment situation. While the company claims that discrimination is not a driving factor behind the resignations, it is essential for TCS to consider the concerns and needs of its female workforce. Implementing policies that support work-life balance, flexibility, and employee well-being can contribute to retaining valuable talent and promoting gender diversity within the organization.

As the world navigates through challenging times, businesses must recognize the evolving expectations and preferences of their employees. Embracing remote work or offering hybrid work models can be vital in attracting and retaining talent, fostering inclusivity, and adapting to the changing work landscape.